The Understudy
Last night I went to see The Understudy at the Laura Pels Theatre. It is a Roundabout production, so I got $20 tickets through the HipTix program again. I LOVE that program because I get to see all of the shows performed at Roundabout Theaters.
I was particularly excited for this play for several reasons. First, and probably most importantly, it was Mark-Paul Gosselaar‘s New York stage debut. That’s right, Zach Morris from Saved By the Bell fame has grown up! The other two cast members were no slouches either: Justin Kirk, from Weeds, and Julie White who has done some movies and television spots, but is really known in NYC for her fabulous presence on the stage. I was also excited because it was an original play and not a revival. Roundabout seems to have more trouble with revivals (see my review of Bye Bye Birdie which is playing now) but I usually enjoy their smaller productions more.
This play was fabulous! It is a farce about an acting nobody (Justin Kirk) who is the understudy to a rising star (Mark-Paul Gosselaar). Mark-Paul is also an understudy to an even bigger star, known only as “Bruce.” Julie White plays the stage manager. She used to have a relationship with Justin Kirk’s character. These three characters interact amazingly throughout the show. The show is hilarious and worth your money only to see the dance sequence at the end. But the acting is so phenomenal, with Julie White really shining, that I could see myself sitting through the show numerous times because we laughed so much. The show is only running until January 3, 2010 so hurry up and go!
